Asbestos was widely used throughout the UK and US from the early 1900’s until the 1980’s. In particular tools and materials used in the construction, mining, milling and processing industries heavily relied on asbestos - a naturally occurring material, soft, cheap, pliable and able to withstand heat, electricity and chemical damage. It wasn’t realised during that time that asbestos is actually a very dangerous material, often resulting in fatal health problems when a person undergoes asbestos exposure. 

 

The tiny fibres within asbestos are easily ingested and cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other fatal illnesses, so prolonged asbestos exposure is extremely damaging and very likely to cause ill health in the future. It has now been banned in the UK and US, although worryingly it is still being used in other parts of the world. It can still be found in houses in the UK - it is only when the fibres are airborne that they pose a danger to health. 

 

According to statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos exposure causes more than 4,000 deaths in Great Britain each year. Those who were exposed to asbestos in the past and are beginning to suffer the effects (as it often takes many years for the health problems to materialise) are making successful asbestos compensation claims however. Anyone in the UK who is suffering from the effects of asbestos are eligible to make asbestos compensation claims, as the 3 year window that normally applies to making a compensation claim doesn’t apply. The Government takes asbestos compensation claims very seriously and understand how exposure decades ago can be the cause of fatal illnesses today.  

 

Who is at risk from asbestos?

Any profession associated with house building can be at risk of exposure to asbestos when working on a house built pre-2000. The correct procedures and safety measures must be followed to the letter when dealing with asbestos as it poses to great a risk to your health otherwise. 

 

If you have been exposed to asbestos and think you may have developed an illness as a consequence, speak to specialist asbestos solicitors today. They will be able to run an assessment and see if there are grounds to file an asbestos compensation claim.